Classic Poem

Adieu , my books! Adieu, bay-tree!
Adieu, old dame Philosophy!
I study naught but letters three
Henceforth; to wit, my A B C.

Sweet task! yet not, I fear, quite free
From some impossibility,
Agatha, Bertha, Cecily,
Being, in fact, my A B C.

But then what theme for bel esprit !
What studies, void of all ennui!
Ardent, Benign, and Clever, ye
Teach all that 's good, dear A B C.

Ah, gentlemen of the Academy!
How proud and happy would you be,
For all your Greek and your glory,
To be sent back to A B C.